BIP-30803 Theory of Relativity

Course

Credits 3.00

Language of instruction:

English

Contents:

The lecture starts with the historical context (luminiferous ether, Michelson-Morley experiment, theory of Lorentz, etc.) causing the development of the theory of relativity. Starting with the postulates of Einstein the theory of relativity will be set up on the basis of thought-experiments. Insight and acceptation of the apparent impossibilities will be the central theme of the lecture. The theory of relativity will not be presented as a mathematical algorithm. No special knowledge of physics or mathematics, besides the basic knowledge of secondary school, will be necessary for this lecture. All students of Wageningen University should be able to attend this lecture. The concepts of time dilation, Lorentz contraction, relativity of simultaneity, Lorentz transformation, Doppler shift and E=mc2 will be explained. Besides the discussion of these parts of the special theory of relativity there will be some excursions to cosmology, astronomy and the general theory of relativity.

Learning outcomes:

Upon completing this course the student is expected:
- to have a basic knowledge of theory of relativity;
- to be able to understand and judge popular scientific articles about relativity and the accompanying philosophy.

Activities:

- instruction lectures;
- exercises during lectures;
- assignments;
- individual assay.

Examination:

This is a testimonial course. The understanding of the theory of relativity will be tested on the basis of assignments and an individual assay.

Literature:

Special Relativity, Wikibooks, the open-content textbooks collection, http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special_Relativity
Optional: Beginselen van de relativiteitstheorie, 06255613, te verkrijgen via de leerstoelgroep PCC